Spanish Major Resources

The Spanish major is designed to be flexible, creative, and meet a host of different goals, allowing you to develop the advanced linguistic skills and cultural competence so frequently sought in today’s competitive and interconnected world. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a number of jobs in government, nonprofit agencies, and the private sector, as well as for entry into graduate and professional schools. You will choose between two concentrations within the Spanish Major: Translation and Interpretation (Concentration A) and Spanish and Latin American Literatures and Cultures (Concentration B).

Here you will find:

● Key information about your major

● How and when to meet with your major advisor

● Planning tools that will help you track your progress in the major

● Ways to explore career opportunities related to the Spanish major

Take a few moments to look at the information below. It will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your studies at John Jay.

Concentrations

Concentration A (Translation and Interpretation)

Concentration A (Translation and Interpretation) equips students with the necessary knowledge, tools and abilities to become competent interpreters and translators.​

Concentration B (Spanish and Latin American Literatures and Cultures)

Concentration B (Spanish and Latin American Literatures and Cultures) is designed for students who wish to pursue a more general course of study of the varied cultural and literary histories of the Spanish-speaking world.

SPA Requirements

Major Requirements

You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year. For example, if you declared the Spanish major in Fall 2015 or Spring 2016, you would click on the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin. If you declared the major and then left the College for more than one full semester, you’re responsible for the major requirements in effect when you return, if they have changed. Not sure when you declared the major? Find out here.

Below, find the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in effect when you declared the major.

Major Advising Information

Please take the Spanish placement test at 7.64 New Building before contacting your advisors. (See the Placement Test and Prerequisites section of this page for more information. If you have Spanish AP credit or Spanish transfer credit posted on your John Jay transcript, you do not need to take the placement test.) Then contact the advisor of your desired concentration with questions about declaring the major, schedules, etc.

All students must complete a learning plan with their advisor before they start the program. Transfer students should contact the relevant advisor as soon as they are admitted to John Jay.

Registration and Major Holds

John Jay places major holds on registration for all upper-sophomore students (45-59 credits). The goal for this hold is that you get advisement for the major. If you are in this situation, please make an appointment to meet with your major advisor. We will make sure that you are on track to complete the major and remove the stop so that you can register.

How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:

See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.

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Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time

Placement Test and Prerequisites

The Spanish major requires successful completion of the beginning Spanish course sequence or placement test results indicating an equivalent level of Spanish language competence. The Spanish placement test will enable us to place you in the course that matches your current level.

If you have taken SPA courses with us or if you have SPA courses on your transcript that have been transferred from another school or exam (e.g. CLEP), you do not need to take the test. If that is the case, bring a copy of your unofficial transcript when you come to see a major advisor.

To take the placement test:

Go to the Language Lab at any time during their working hours. Find hours and location here.

No appointment is needed.

Plan to spend one hour taking the test. It is a regular Spanish language test, but don't rush it. Once it is completed, you cannot retake it.

Prerequisites:

Depending on your placement test results, you may be required to complete the beginning Spanish sequence (either SPA 101→ SPA 102 OR SPA 111 → SPA 112). Note that both of these pairs can also be used to fulfill language general education requirements.

Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!

The number of semesters that it will take you to complete the program will depend on the Spanish courses you’ve already taken or your placement test results - hence the importance of taking the test if necessary and contacting your major advisor as soon as possible.

The foundational language courses follow a strict sequence. They can only be taken one per semester and in the following order:

Translation and Interpretation (Concentration A) courses also follow a strict sequence. Only courses in the same level (200-level, 300-level, 400-level) can be taken in the same semester. Note that this sequence only starts in fall semesters:

Not all courses are offered every semester. For this reason, it is very important to make a learning plan with your advisor at the beginning of the program. The plan will indicate the courses you need to take each semester.

Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and at least an overall 2.0 GPA to graduate.

Monitor Your Progress in the Major

DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to theDegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.

Spanish Major Checklist- Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.

Sample Four Year Plan - See our Concentration A Sample Four Year Plan and ourConcentration B Sample Four Year Planfor an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.

Study Abroad

Study abroad can be an excellent way to develop your Spanish language skills, deepen your cultural knowledge, earn credit towards your degree, and broaden your perspective. If you plan to study abroad, it is important to discuss the possibility with a major advisor. For information about programs, see the International Studies and Programs Office webpage.

Meet with a General Academic Advisor

A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.

Spanish and Careers

Why Major in Spanish?

Enhanced career opportunities

Higher pay

More flexibility in employment opportunities

Internships

Study abroad courses in a Spanish-speaking country. A semester of study abroad in a Spanish-speaking university, approved by the student’s major advisor and department chair, may substitute for up to fifteen (15) credit hours toward the major.

Sigma Delta Pi honor society

The Juan A. Soto Scholarship

Career Opportunities Related to the Spanish Major

This major can be a great foundation for a wide range of jobs, but some possibilities to consider are:

Arts, Media & Entertainment:

Advertiser for Spanish-Speaking Markets

Foreign Correspondent

Journalist

Publishing Editor or Specialist

TV/ Radio Reporter

TV/radio/web writer or editor

Education:

College Professor

Elementary and Secondary Teacher

Business:

Foreign Exchange Trader

Importer/Exporter

International Account Manager

International Banking Officer

International Marketing

International Relations Consultant

Personnel Manager

Translator/Interpreter

Government:

Court Interpreter

Cultural Attaché

Foreign Service Diplomat

Immigration Specialist

Intelligence specialist (FBI, CIA, DEA)

Translator/interpreter

Social Services:

Attorney

Human Rights Worker

Human Resources Specialist

Law Enforcement Specialist

Medical Professions

Social Worker

Career Guidance

The Center for Career and Professional Development is a great resource for all questions related to job searches, internships, and career preparation. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request a 45-minute counseling appointment, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are available all day Mon-Fri. (Stop by in person earlier the same day to schedule a drop-in session.)